abhirohi

Climbing up higher step -5

note: the italicised paragraphs are either flashback or thoughts.

Arohi locked the room and slid down against the door, squatting as she began to cry.

"I tried my best to hold on to my emotions. But sometimes, it's difficult to control. I have always tried my best to be a good mother for Roohi and to fill the father's void in her life. I have taught her to be independent as much as is needed. I do give her personal space. But sending her away... for a trip? I can't do that, Abhimanyu..."

Arohi realized what she had said to Abhimanyu in anger.

"I am sorry, Abhimanyu, I didn't mean to hurt you. What I said made no sense. You do have equal rights to Roohi. I overreacted in the heat of the argument. I am sorry..."she spoke to herself

She wept, burying her face in her palms.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu stood on the other side of the door, about to knock, but his hand stopped mid-air. He didn't know what to say to Arohi even if she opened the door. He realized he needed to give her some space.

The other room where Arohi went wasn't Roohi's room; it was Abhimanyu's. Eventually, he would have to go there, but to avoid disturbing her, he sat down outside the door.

A couple of hours later, Arohi opened the door, wiping her tears and trying her best to look as if nothing had happened. As if the wounds weren't there at all.

She saw Abhimanyu sitting at the entrance of the room, near the door. He had almost fallen asleep, leaning against the wall for support. Arohi moved her hand toward his shoulder but paused, unsure of how to face him after the outburst. She didn't want to show her inner weakness to anyone, but today she had failed. Her years of portraying a strong and sometimes villainous personality had shattered. Abhimanyu had seen a new side of Arohi today.

Without thinking much, Arohi woke Abhimanyu. "Abhimanyu..."

No response.

"Abhimanyu!" Arohi shook his shoulder.

Abhimanyu woke up and saw Arohi. There was a moment of awkwardness, which Arohi broke.

"Why are you sleeping here?" Arohi asked.

"I'm sorry. Woh, actually, you were in my room, and I didn't want to disturb you," he said.

"Oh, I'm sorry... come inside. You seem really exhausted for the day. Go sleep in the bed," Arohi said.

"Yeah, but let Roohi come back from her evening play. I will give her dinner and then sleep," Abhimanyu said dutifully.

"No need for that, Abhimanyu. I'll take care of it. You are really tired. You have done too much work for the day. Go and sleep!" Arohi ordered.

Abhimanyu had no other option.

A little later, Roohi came back after playing with the neighborhood children. Arohi and Roohi spent time talking about the games Roohi played, the stories of the past three weeks, what happened in her school, and shared stories about her friends and their mischiefs together. Arohi served Roohi dinner, taught her school lessons for some time, and then it was time to sleep.

Instead of going to her room, Roohi headed towards Abhimanyu's room.

"Roohi! Where are you going? Aren't you and I sleeping together in the other room?" Arohi asked.

"Matashree, I won't get sleep until Avi sings a lullaby for me. And I always cuddle him and sleep," Roohi informed.

I also want to sleep with you," Roohi expressed her dilemma.